WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Cancer Thrivers Network invites their fellow “thrivers” to join them for an afternoon of knitting, crocheting and camaraderie from 1:30-3 p.m. Monday at the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road. There is no charge and coffee and dessert will be served.

New learners and experienced knitters and crochet devotees are welcome. Participants are asked to bring any leftover washable yarns and size 5-11 knitting needles to donate. The project will be making squares to be assembled as lap blankets for chemotherapy patients.

The Cancer Thrivers Network welcomes women who have been diagnosed with any kind of cancer at any time in their lives. Reservations are requested and may be made by contacting Miriam Cohen at 248-670-0223 or miriampc@comcast.net, or Sharon Rocklin at 248-489-9156 or srock@myway.com.

There will also be a question and answer session with Pitts. Thanks to a sponsorship from Target, admission to the Henry Ford will be free to all guests throughout the day. Guests can tour the “With Liberty and Justice for All” exhibit, take part in the “pledge your service” activity or climb aboard the Rosa Parks bus.

ROYAL OAK — The first in a three-part Family Science and Reading series presented by the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History Outreach Program for children ages 5 and up will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road.

The program will explore the reasons behind skin color, hair texture and other inherited traits, plus families will perform a DNA extraction. Registration is limited to 40.

To sign up for this free program, visit www.ropl.org or call the Youth Reference Desk at 248-246-3725.

Troy Tea Party meeting

TROY — The Troy Area Tea Party has scheduled its next meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the American-Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E. Maple Road, Speakers will be radio host Doc Thompson and Brenda Battle Jordan, vice-president of Genessee County’s Westwood Heights School Board, who will discuss her experience in returning conservative values to public schools.

There will also be a discussion of the right-to-work legislation.

‘Mary Wells’ author to speak

SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield Public Library is hosting author Peter Benjamin for a talk entitled, “Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life of Motown’s First Superstar,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the meeting room at the Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen.

Complete with never before revealed details, the multi-media presentation will reveal the incredibly turbulent life of singer Mary Wells. Benjamin’s books will be available for purchase and signing.

For more information, call the Guest Services Desk at 248-796-4224.

Ideas for teen programs

ROYAL OAK — Middle and high school students are invited to bring their ideas for teen library programs to the Royal Oak Public Library, 222. E 11 Mile Road, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, where they can share ideas for teen programming, projects, displays, newsletters and more.

Snacks will be provided. To sign up or for more information about this free program, visit www.ropl.org or call Youth and Teen Services at 248-246-3725.

Social Security expands services

The Social Security Administration is expanding the services available with a “my Social Security” account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing through the time they receive Social Security benefits. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries can access their benefit verification letter, payment history, and earnings record instantly. Social Security beneficiaries can also change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.